Beck is the first probation and parole officer to
rise through the ranks to become secretary of the
department. Prior to this appointment, Beck was the
deputy secretary of the department since 1997.

"Theodis
Beck has devoted his career to the Dept. of Correction
and making our state safer," Hunt said. "His
commitment to public service, along with his experience
and knowledge of the department, will make him a strong
secretary. Im looking to his leadership to keep us
on the right track as we work to protect our families and
to keep dangerous criminals behind bars."

A native of Asheville, Beck started working for the
department in 1975 as a probation and parole officer. He
piloted the intensive supervision program and was one of
the original eight officers. On Jan. 1, 1995, Beck was
named director of the Division of Adult Probation and
Parole, the first African-American to head the division.
He was also the first African-American to be named deputy
secretary.

Beck is a 1970 graduate of N.C. Central University. He
also completed the N.C. Public Managers Program,
which provides state-sponsored classes on effective
management practices. From 1970-72, he served in the U.S.
Army where he rose to the level of sergeant. He also
served for eight years as a first sergeant and a drill
sergeant for 12 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He
retired from the Reserves in 1997.

"My hope is that we can continue in the spirit of
cooperation and teamwork," Beck said. "We are up
against some of our most trying times. My number one priority is
looking out for the 800 people impacted by the potential prison
closings. We need to look out for our own. We are not just
talking about employees but families."

The secretary of the department oversees the states
32,000 prisoners and 113,000 people on probation and parole. Beck
replaces Mack Jarvis who retired as secretary of the department
in September. Chief Deputy Secretary Joe Hamilton served as
acting secretary prior to Beck's appointment.